Manchester United Have Grounds For Optimism After Stunning Win

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: Anthony Martial of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on August 11, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

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As the goals rained in, Sir Alex Ferguson could be seen laughing and joking with his wife and friends as he watched Manchester United triumph 4-0 against Chelsea on the opening day of the season.

The former United manager would have heartily approved of the performance he was treated to on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford as it mirrored how his best teams used to play: with intensity, flair, passion and attacking intent.

Over the course of ninety minutes, Ferguson’s protégée Ole Gunnar Solskjaer helped to lift the gloom that had hung over Old Trafford for most of the summer by inspiring his side to a comprehensive win.

During the second half there was unconfined joy in the stands, a heady euphoria when United scored three times in 16 minutes.

This was a template of how Solskjaer wants his emerging Manchester United to play on an afternoon when almost everything went right for his side.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of Manchester United arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on August 11, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ash

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But the Norwegian will also know United looked vulnerable in the first half when Chelsea outplayed them for large patches, and were fortunate not to concede when first Tammy Abraham and then Emerson hit the post.

However, Solskjaer will have been delighted in how United took the lead after 18 minutes when their high pressing forced Chelsea in to a mistake, which saw Marcus Rashford break in to the area before being fouled by Kurt Zouma. Rashford would rise from the turf to give United the lead with a well struck penalty.

All summer long Solskjaer had been promising his side would be fitter this season and here they proved they were to great success.

“The fitter you are, the more you can do, it is as simple as that, “ he said afterwards. ”The boys have been working hard but this is still the start."

Solskjaer would have gained the most satisfaction from the impact all three of his new signings, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James, made on their debuts.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: Paul Pogba of Man Utd (R) shakes hands with teammate Harry Maguire of Man Utd after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on August 11, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

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He wanted these players, demanded that his board got the deals done whatever the costs rose to, and received some early vindication here.

“We’ve signed three fantastic boys, three fantastic personalities and we are delighted with them,” he said.

Harry Maguire has already been labelled ‘The Beast’ by his team-mate Paul Pogba, and it is easy to understand why after this performance.

The England defender was a huge presence at the heart of the United back four, shackling the potentially difficult Abraham, getting in blocks, winning headers and offering leadership to his new side.

He gave reassurance to the rest of the defence, and a focal point that was absent for most of last season, as United kept their first clean sheet since February.

Alongside Maguire, United’s new right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka was just as impressive; never beaten by a Chelsea foray forward, he was a magnet to the ball, and also looked impressive when he ventured forward.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: Daniel James of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 4-0 during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on August 11, 2019 in Manchester, United

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United’s third summer signing Daniel James was only on the pitch for 16 minutes but managed to provide a fitting and emotional ending to the game when he scored United’s fourth goal after a brilliant surging run from Pogba.

His team-mates rushed towards him, aware of this special moment, and also the grief James has suffered this summer with the sudden death of his father.

Beyond the goal, James had looked quick and lively, and was a constant threat to Chelsea’s increasingly panicky players, drawing a yellow card from N'Golo Kante.

Amid this steady supply of goals, Solskjaer would still have had some concerns, particularly at how Chelsea were able to retain possession and pass the ball around his side.

But the game is about goals, and United scored four without reply, with a more direct style, and a pleasing ruthlessness in front of goal.

This is just one game in the Premier League, with another 37 more to come, but it gives United grounds for optimism they will be able to make progress and provide some real entertainment this season.